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About Nothe FortIn 1858 the French, under Napoleon III, laid down the world's first purpose built iron clad warship, La Gloire. Two smaller ships quickly followed as well as the building of a naval base at Cherbourg. The supremacy of the Royal Navy was under threat. In 1859 the British Government, led by Lord Palmerston, set up a Royal Commission to consider the sea defences of the United Kingdom. It recommended the fortification of harbours and anchorages on the south coast. This coincided with the conversion into a harbour of refuge of Portland roads, an anchorage sheltered by the Island of Portland and Chesil Beach. Portland Harbour became an obvious choice as a base for a blockading squadron and the Nothe Peninsular. The Nothe Fort was built by 26 Company of the Royal Engineers between 1860 and 1872 as part of the defences of the now harbour at Portland. Over 70 new fortresses were built around the south coast. Few of the fortresses ever saw action but they did achieve their aim as a deterrent. During World War II Nothe Fort was used as a base by the British and American navies. Today, The Nothe Fort is a National Monument and Registered Museum owned by the town of Weymouth and operated by volunteers of the Weymouth Civic Society, a registered charity. The volunteer staff not only welcome you to the Fort but also provide maintenance parties and a highly professional service to schools. In addition to operating the Fort the Weymouth Civic Society owns a 16th century Tudor Merchant's House in the town which is also open to the public. Why not pay a visit? Location of Nothe FortThe Nothe Fort
USA to Normandy - Battle of Normandy - Beach Assault |